New U.S. ambassador

Monday, September 26, 2005 |

The new US ambassador to Israel, Richard Jones, took up his post today, presenting his credentials to President Moshe Katzav. Jones said the US remains committed to a two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, living side by side in peace and security. “Israel is a staunch ally and a reliable friend in the global war on terror,” he said. “We look forward to continued cooperation with our friends in Israel…Our commitment to Israel's security is unwavering." Over a three-decade career, Jones served in four Arab countries and speaks fluent Arabic. He replaces Dan Kurtzer, who ended a four-year term. Jones also expressed strong support for the Gaza pullout. "We applaud Israel for the courage it has demonstrated through Gaza disengagement, and encourage Israel and the Palestinian Authority to seize this opportunity to advance prospects for a just and lasting peace.”

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